PETITION OPPOSING THE CANNABIS DISPENSARY AT 1200 MAMARONECK AVENUE, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605

Full-featured Legal Online Cannabis Activities Locator – NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)

From:

Rosedale Residential Association
P.O. Box 199, White Plains, New York, 10605
wprra.org  

To: 

• White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach
• White Plains Common Council
• White Plains Building Department
• White Plains Planning Department

Date:   January 30, 2025

We, the undersigned residents and concerned community members of White Plains, strongly oppose the approval and development of a cannabis dispensary at 1200 Mamaroneck Avenue.

This project has been approved without proper public notification, hearings, or community input, despite its significant impact on the Rosedale neighborhood. We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and due process regarding this decision.

Reasons for Our Opposition:

1. Lack of Communication from City Officials, Public Notification Or Community InputThe decision to approve this dispensary was made without any outreach to the community, the Rosedale Residential Association (RRA), or public hearings.

   The decision-making process for this project was opaque and dismissive of community concerns.

   The Rosedale Residential Association, a well-established and active community group, was never consulted on this matter.

2. Inappropriate Zoning & LocationThe dispensary is being placed in a primarily residential neighborhood, surrounded by single-family homes, schools, and places of worship.

   Given that White Plains already has five existing cannabis dispensaries, there is no clear need for a sixth—especially in a residential area.

3. Proximity to Public & Private Schools and Childcare CentersThe dispensary location is in close proximity to several schools and childcare centers, including but not limited to:

   •    Windward School: 905.49 ft, same street

   •    Leffell School: 2,544.46 ft

   •    Ridgeway Elementary School: 4,679.14 ft

   •    Harrison High School: 4,795.1 ft

   •    Ethical Culture Nursery School

   •    ENA Learning Center, same street

   •    Archbishop Stepinac High School, same street

   •    Our Lady of Sorrows School, same street

   •    Kids’ Base

   •    Louis M. Klein Middle School

    

4. Proximity to Places of WorshipThe dispensary location is in close proximity to several places of worship, including but not limited to:    •    Living Word Christian Church: 780.89 ft, same street

   •    Our Lady of Sorrows Church, same street

   •    Ridgeway Alliance Church

   •    Young Israel of Harrison

5. Impact on Community Character & Safety
   
   The Rosedale neighborhood has long been a family-oriented community, and a cannabis dispensary does not align with its values or historic character.The presence of a dispensary near homes, schools and places of worship raises concerns about traffic, residential property values, safety, and community well-being.

Our Requests to the City of White Plains:

• Immediately halt the development of the dispensary at 1200 Mamaroneck Avenue until full transparency and public hearings are held.
• Reevaluate the zoning and licensing process for cannabis dispensaries in residential areas.
• Provide a clear justification for why this location was permitted despite its proximity to schools and places of worship.
• Commit to future community engagement in zoning and licensing decisions of cannabis dispensaries that impact primarily residential neighborhoods.

By signing this petition, we demand that our elected and appointed city officials take immediate action to protect the integrity of our community and reconsider the placement of this cannabis dispensary.

SIGN HERE TO SUPPORT THIS PETITION

Contact Information for City Officials

We encourage all Rosedale neighbors, White Plains residents, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Rye and Harrison neighbors to call, email and write letters to the mayor and elected officials with their concerns:

Mayor’s Office:

•    Thomas M. Roach, Mayor

•    Email: mayorsoffice@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Phone: 914-422-1411

•    Address: Mayor’s Office, 255 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10601

White Plains Common Council

•    Email: commoncouncil@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Phone: 914-422-1200

•    Address: City Hall, 255 Main St., White Plains, NY 10601

Common Council Members and Staff:

•    Victoria Presser (Council President): vpresser@whiteplainsny.gov | 914-946-5608

•    Jeremiah Frei-Pearson: jfrei-pearson@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Justin C. Brasch: jbrasch@whiteplainsny.gov | 212-267-2500

•    John M. Martin: jmartin@whiteplainsny.gov | 914-686-0239

•    Richard Payne: rpayne@whiteplainsny.gov | 914-490-3162

•    Jennifer Puja: jlpuja@whiteplainsny.gov | 914-607-2041

•    Elizabeth Cleary (Legislative Aide): ecleary@whiteplainsny.gov | 914-422-5114

White Plains Building Department

•    Damon Amadio, P.E. (Commissioner): damonamadio@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Kevin Hodapp, P.E. (Deputy Commissioner): kevinhodapp@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Phone: (914) 422-1269

•    Address: 70 Church St., White Plains, NY 10601

White Plains Planning Department

•    Christopher Gomez, AICP (Commissioner):

cgomez@whiteplainsny.gov

•    Phone: 914-422-1300

•    Address: 70 Church St., White Plains, NY 10601